TMZ Sports - Page 50

H.S. hockey player A.J. Quetta -- who suffered a serious spinal cord injury during a game last month -- was transported to a rehab center for further recovery this week ... and his teammates gave an incredibly emotional tribute along the way.

As we previously reported, Quetta -- a senior at Bishop Feehan HS in Attleboro, MA -- underwent emergency surgery after he slammed head-first into the boards during a game on Jan. 26. It is unknown whether he would be able to move his body again.

Now, Quetta is heading to a rehabilitation center in Atlanta for further treatment ... and his teammates decided to give him a pretty awesome show of support as he made the journey.

The players grabbed their jerseys and sticks and headed over to the hospital to meet Quetta as he left the building ... forming a tunnel for their teammate as he departed to his next destination.

The players also had signs thanking the workers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and showing encouraging messages for Quetta.

There has been an outpouring of support for Quetta following the tragic incident -- The Boston Bruins hosted a raffle for his cause that eclipsed its largest jackpot ever at $300,000 ... and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft donated $25,000.

The GoFundMe in support of A.J.'s recovery has crushed its initial goal of $10,000 ... bringing in an amazing $914K.

A.J.'s father, Anthony Quetta, Sr. thanked everyone for their support on Monday ... saying, "Words can’t express our steadfast appreciation to all the donors during this time. This would not be possible without all the support we have received."

"AJ realizes how awesome and incredible the support has been. He is determined to beat the odds and return to his family and friends. He is very motivated."

Serena Williams destroyed another opponent at the Australian Open -- and her hubby thinks it's about time she gets the respect she deserves!!!

Check out Alexis Ohanian in the stands -- along with his sister-in-law Venus Williams -- watching his wife dominate Simona Halep in 2 straight sets.

His shirt reads, "Greatest Female Athlete" -- with the word "female" crossed out.

In other words, she's the G.O.A.T athlete -- men included!

There's more ... Ohanian also went to social media and talked some trash about Ion Tiriac -- the super-rich ex-tennis star who's the director of the Madrid Open.

Remember, Tiriac recently went on a Romanian television show and trashed 39-year-old Serena -- saying, "At this age and the weight she is now, she does not move as easily as she did 15 years ago."

"Serena was a sensational player. If she had a little decency, she would retire! From all points of view."

Ohanian used Serena'as victory at the Australian Open as an excuse to fire back at Tiriac -- tweeting, "Good thing no one listens to that racist sexist Ion Tiriac."

As for Serena, she's won 39 Grand Slam titles in her amazing career -- 23 in singles, 14 in women's doubles, and 2 in mixed doubles. She also has 4 Olympic gold medals.

"My NFL brothers continue to die and nobody's doing a goddamn thing about it."

Ex-NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf fought back tears in an emotional video in which he accuses the league of turning its back on players with mental health issues ... and lamenting, "I don't know what the f**k to do anymore."

Leaf posted the video AFTER after news broke about the death of ex-NFL star wide receiver Vincent Jackson, who was found by himself in a hotel where he'd been living in Florida. We don't know if Leaf is referencing Jackson in the video, but it sure seems like it.

"The NFL just doesn't f**king care," Leaf said ... "They don't care. They'll write condolences letters and s**t like that but if they were invested, they'd actually put some money behind the NFL Legends Community and into the mental health/substance abuse side of it."

Leaf adds, "Once you're bad for the brand, the shield, they can give two s**ts."

The 44-year-old -- who's talked publicly about his own struggles with mental health and substance abuse -- said he spoke with another former NFL player on Monday who spent the weekend at a psych ward.

"I don't know what the hell to do," Leaf continued ... "They [the NFL] don't get how precious life is and then I have this f**king survivor's guilt! A ton of it!"

Leaf ended his video begging viewers to "just be part of the solution please."

We know the NFL has previously said they've committed to expanding mental health resources to players (which you can read about here) ... but clearly Leaf doesn't feel like the league is doing enough.

"My mindset is I'm going to play again."

That's Florida Gators star Keyontae Johnson opening up about his battle to get back on the basketball court just 2 months after he collapsed during a game ... despite still not knowing exactly what caused his medical emergency.

It was on Dec. 12 when the 21-year-old star crashed to the hardwood during a game against Florida State. As fate would have it, there was a cardiologist sitting in the stands that day who raced over to Johnson to provide medical aid.

"I was passed out. I could have died," Johnson told FloridaGators.com ... "She jumped out on the court and saved me. If it isn't for her, I may not have had a second chance in life. You just can't take life for granted."

Johnson was eventually transported to a nearby hospital in Tallahassee before being moved back to the UF hospital in Gainesville. At one point, he was placed in a medically induced coma.

3 days after the incident, Johnson awoke from his coma -- and admits, he was very scared.

"I was definitely scared. I had just woken up. I was confused and wasn't sure what was going to happen next. My grandmother was there in the room praying for me. We all prayed together and left it in God's hands."

Johnson was released from the hospital on Dec. 22 -- 10 days after the incident -- and his recovery has been a miracle. He's been cleared for some stretching exercises, yoga and some limited shooting on the court.

So, what caused the collapse? The short answer is ... it's still a mystery. Johnson says he's still undergoing a battery of tests so doctors can try and figure out what led to the incident.

"I'm still taking tests and going to be taking a lot more tests," Johnson says ... "I'll have to get on a treadmill eventually and be connected to things. MRIs, EKGs, stress tests, all that, to find out what caused this. I'm going to the doctor every 2 weeks."

Fact is ... no one knows for sure if Keyontae -- one of the top players in the country -- will ever be cleared to play high-level basketball ever again. But, he's not ready to throw in the towel just yet.

"My dad is staying positive. My mom is, as well. I remember her saying, 'What happens if the doctors say you can't play again?' I told her, 'I don't know. We're not at that situation, yet.'"

When asked if Keyontae thinks he'll ever be able to get back to the skill level he was at before the incident, Keyontae stayed optimistic.

"I do. Right now, until the doctors say otherwise, I'm going to stick with the positive mindset that I'm playing again."

And, if he can't play again ... KJ already has a backup plan.

"I'd probably want to be a coach and take what I've learned from here and try to be a step ahead."

Scott Miller -- a swimmer who won medals in the 1996 Summer Olympics -- was arrested in his home country of Australia this week ... after officials accused him of running a drug ring that was "intent on delivering death and misery."

Law enforcement made the announcement Down Under on Tuesday ... claiming Miller was a key cog in trying to spread over $1.5 million worth of methylamphetamine to regions in New South Wales.

Officials say the 45-year-old's drug dealings involved using candles to smuggle narcotics.

"For all intents and purposes, [they were] everyday candles," an investigator told media members.

"However they weren't laced with any fragrance, they were laced with half a kilo of methylamphetamine in each candle, and there were eight candles."

Officials said Miller was busted Tuesday ... claiming raids connected to the former star swimmer turned up "approximately one kilogram of heroin with a street value of $250,000, over $75,000 cash, mobile phones, documents, encrypted electronic devices and smaller amounts of prohibited drugs."

Officials added they arrested another man who they believe worked with Miller in the drug ring.

"They were well set up," an investigator said. "And they were intent on death and misery right throughout the state."

According to 9 News, Miller's attorney did NOT attempt to get bail for the ex-swimmer ... and it's now expected Miller will sit in jail until his next court hearing in April.

Whatever Miley wants, Miley gets ... even when her wish is to have a UFC fighter shave her initials into his chest!

This is Julian Marquez -- the UFC middleweight who won his fight on Saturday and then used his post-fight interview to ask Miley Cyrus to be his Valentine's Day date!

Miley responded on Twitter with a challenge -- "Shave an MC into your chest hair and I am YOURS. Happy VDay and Congrats my love!"

So, we contacted Julian to find out if he's REALLY gonna shave her initials into his chest ... and good news, HE'S DOWN!!

"Okay, I do plan to do it and I can't just open up just yet," Marquez tells TMZ Sports ... suggesting he's going to make a public spectacle out of it.

"I have to wait for one more thing but we have something big working for everyone. The fans will definitely be in charge of me getting the MC on my chest hair."

Marquez explained why shaving his chest hair is a big deal -- and a true sign that he's serious about wanting a shot with Miley!

"You have to understand this, man, a man's chest hair is sacred. It's like a lion's mane. You can't shave that! You can't shave it! If you shave a lion's mane, they freak out, it's the same thing!"

So, what happens if Miley agrees to go on a date with the 30-year-old fighter?

"We'll probably get ice cream and go to a picnic. Walk around the park, go walk around the ocean. Just because it's Miley Cyrus, she's human. Why would I go out there and go all crazy trying to spend an expensive amount of things and do all this stuff?! I'm not trying to impress her, I'm trying to get to know her!"

Message to Miley -- "I won't break your achy heart."

There's more ... we also spoke with Julian about the other big thing in his life, FIGHTING!

Marquez has been battling all sorts of injuries behind the scenes -- injuries that kept him out of the Octagon for 31 months!

But, he's back and his return was awesome -- a 3rd round submission victory over Maki Pitolo at UFC 258.

"Doctor told me at one point in time, he legitimately told me that I may have to look for a different career path. Before I had to get my second surgery, he ended up telling me that and it was the lowest of the low."

TMZ Sports has obtained video of the wild bar fight that led to the arrest of ex-NFL star Pacman Jones ... and you can hear people begging for the violence to stop.

The barstools were flying. People went crashing to the ground. And, it's a miracle more people weren't seriously hurt.

Here's the backstory, per the witness who shot this video ...

The drama began after 37-year-old Pacman and someone from his crew left the Clutch OTR bar in Cincinnati around 1 AM on Monday morning -- and the security staff wouldn't let them back inside.

"Pacman pushed his way back in and it started getting aggressive," the witness tells us.

We're told Pacman got into a heated verbal confrontation with the DJ -- and when security got involved, Pacman took a swing.

"Pacman knocked the security guy out then proceeded to kick the guy in the head multiple times. That’s when a lot of the staff stepped in and my video starts."

The footage shows several people grabbing bar stools and throwing them across the room while bystanders scream for everyone to stop. Unclear if any of the chair-throwers in our footage is Pacman, but you can clearly see him standing in the center of the bar when things begin to calm down.

A pissed off person in the bar brandishes a bar stool and screams, "F*ck with me. I dare you."

As we previously reported, cops arrived at the bar and arrested Pacman. He was booked on 1 count of misdemeanor assault.

The police report says Jones "punched and kicked" an employee at the establishment, "causing the bouncer to lose consciousness."

Jones later went on The Pat McAfee Show and claimed it was the bouncer who was the aggressor and when he saw his brother getting attacked, he jumped in and "did what I needed to do."

"Ariel is awake."

That's the GREAT news everyone has been waiting for regarding the little girl who was badly injured in a car accident involving KC Chiefs assistant coach Britt Reid.

5-year-old Ariel Young suffered serious brain injuries when Britt Reid -- the son of head coach Andy Reid -- allegedly slammed his car into the vehicle she was in, the Thursday before the Super Bowl.

Young was hospitalized in critical condition and remained in a coma for more than a week, according to the GundFundMe page created by her aunt.

The family had been asking for prayers -- and it seems they were finally answered, because they announced Ariel awoke from the coma on Monday.

The family did not expand on her medical condition -- but the assumption is that it's a move in the right direction.

Ariel's 4-year-old cousin, Julianna, was also injured in the Feb. 4 crash -- suffering a broken nose and a concussion, according to the family. She's at home recovering.

35-year-old Britt -- who was a linebacker coach with the Chiefs -- was initially placed on leave the crash. But, he is no longer employed by the team.

As we previously reported, cops say Reid admitted to drinking alcohol and taking Adderall before smashing into 2 parked cars that were pulled over on the side of a highway on-ramp. The crash occurred just minutes from Arrowhead Stadium in KC.

Cops announced they were investigating the crash but so far no formal charges have been brought against Reid.

FYI, Ariel's GoFundMe page has already raised more than $488,000 to help cover medical expenses ... an incredible show of support.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic absolutely lost his mind at the Australian Open on Tuesday ... obliterating his racket in a fit of rage and causing a delay.

Djokovic -- who's been on edge in the major tournament Down Under as he's fighting through an abdominal injury -- was in a heated quarter-final match with Alexander Zverev when he lost his cool.

Tennis' #1-ranked player returned a key serve in the third set into the net ... and then melted down.

He let out a massive yell, slammed his racket into the court three times ... and then walked to his bench and threw the destroyed piece of equipment down angrily.

The temper tantrum left such a mess on the court, a ball person actually had to sweep up all the debris. The court itself, meanwhile, had three scars in it!!

Djokovic, though, was NOT penalized for the outburst ... and he ended up battling his way to a victory. Afterward, Novak admitted he felt "drained."

Of course, the 33-year-old is no stranger to outbursts on the court ... remember, he was disqualified from the U.S. Open back in September after he angrily and haphazardly hit a ball at a lineswoman.

Draymond Green thinks it's complete "bulls**t" for an NBA team to bench a player while seeking to trade him ... just like the Cavs are doing to Andre Drummond.

Green's Golden State Warriors destroyed the Cavs on Monday in a 129 to 98 thrashing ... but it wasn't until after the game that Draymond REALLY went off.

"To watch Andre Drummond before the game, sit on the sidelines, then go to the back and then come out in street clothes because the team is going to trade him is bulls**t."

Here's the backstory ... it's no secret the Cavs are looking to move on from 27-year-old Drummond in favor of the new 22-year-old center Jarrett Allen.

The trade deadline is March 25 -- and Cavs GM Koby Altman has said Drummond would no longer be active for games until a deal is done.

FYI, Drummond is reportedly making $28.7 million this season as part of a 5-year, $127 million contract.

Clearly, Draymond feels it's unfair for Drummond -- a 2-time NBA All-Star -- claiming it's a disrespectful move that's also bad for Andre's mental health.

"When James Harden asked for a trade, and essentially dogged it -- no one's going to fight back that James was dogging it his last days in Houston -- but he was CASTRATED for wanting to go to a different team," Draymond said.

"And yet, a team can come out and say, 'Oh, we want to trade a guy,' and then that guy has to go sit?! And, if he doesn't stay professional, then he's a cancer?! And, he's not good in someone's locker room, and he's the issue."

"And, we've seen situations of Harrison Barnes getting pulled off the bench ... DeMarcus Cousins finding out he's traded in an interview after the All-Star Game, and we continue to let this happen. But, I got fined for stating my opinion on what I thought should happen with another player, but teams can come out and continue to say, 'Oh, we're trading guys, we're not playing you.' And yet, we're to stay professional?!"

Draymond continued, "At some point, as players, we need to be treated with the same respect and have the same rights that the team can have. Because as a player, you're the worst person in the world when you want a different situation."

Green says it's crazy that "a team can say they're trading you and that man is to stay in shape, he is to stay professional. And if not, his career is on the line. At some point, this league has to protect the players from embarrassment like that."

"And then, when Kyrie Irving says, 'Oh, my mental health is off,' everybody goes crazy about that too! Do you not think that affects someone mentally?"

"As much as we put into this game to be great, to come out here and be in shape, to produce for fans every single night, and most importantly, to help your team win, do you think that doesn't affect someone mentally?"

Green ended the conversation this way ...

Talk about fast food ... how about a NASCAR driver leaving the Daytona 500 in the middle of a race to go on a McDonald's run!?!

That's exactly what Ross Chastain did on Sunday when a rainstorm delayed The Great American Race for more than 5 hours ... right after the 15th lap!

It was clear the weather wasn't going to let up any time soon, so Chastain hopped out of his racing car -- and into his personal car -- so he could speed over to a nearby Mickey D's to grab some food for himself and his crew.

Oh, he was still wearing his green racing suit when he pulled up to the drive-thru ... and the woman working the window couldn't believe it!

"AAAAAHHHH you just came from the racetrack?!" the woman asked.

"Yeah, we're racing, whenever it stops raining!!" Chastain replied.

The staffer couldn't believe her eyes ... saying, "This is my first time meeting a race car driver!" She even called over her co-workers to take a look!

RC explained he drives the #42 McDonald's car ... so it was only right he hooked up his crew with a massive order -- 6 of "everything" for his team and a hot fudge sundae for himself!!

When the race finally resumed, Ross finished in 7th place.

Vincent Jackson -- a 3-time Pro Bowl wide receiver -- was found dead in a hotel room in Florida on Monday, officials confirm. He was only 38.

The former San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Bucs star was discovered by a housekeeper inside his room at the Homewood Suites hotel in Brandon, Florida (located in the Tampa area). Cops have released pics from the scene.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office says it's investigating -- as there is no apparent cause of death. No signs of trauma, etc.

Jackson had been staying at the hotel since January 11 -- though it's unclear why he was living there considering he made a fortune during his 12 years as an NFL player.

Officials say Jackson's family filed a missing persons report regarding the NFL star on February 11. He was located on Feb. 12 and cops spoke with him.

"After assessing Jackson’s well-being, the missing persons case was canceled," officials say.

He was found dead in his hotel room days later.

Sheriff Chad Chronister issued a statement saying, "My heart aches for the many loved ones Vincent Jackson leaves behind, from his wife and children to the Buccaneers nation that adored him."

"Mr. Jackson was a devoted man who put his family and community above everything else."

Jackson worked closely with the Sheriff's Dept and was even made an honorary deputy.

"He will be sorely missed by not only football fans across the country, but also the people here in Hillsborough County who reaped the benefits of his generous contributions."

Jackson was a star athlete in both football and basketball at the University of Northern Colorado before going 61st overall to the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Jackson played for the Chargers from 2005 to 2011, making the Pro Bowl twice.

He spent the latter part of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, earning a 3rd Pro Bowl spot in 2012.

The WR finally retired from the game in 2016. Jackson earned 540 receptions, 57 TDs and more than 9,000 receiving yards during his 12 seasons in the league ... and reportedly made more than $71 million in contract money during his NFL run.

Tributes are already starting to pour in ... his ex-Chargers teammate, Shawne Merriman, tweeted, "Man, no way. Praying for Vincent Jackson’s family. Dude was 3 years younger than me. Rest In Peace brother."

His alma mater also posted a tribute ...

The Chargers released a statement Monday ... saying, "We are shocked and deeply saddened by news of Vincent Jackson's sudden passing."

"Vincent was a fan favorite not only for his Pro Bowl play on the field but for the impact he made on the community off of it. The work he had done on behalf of military families through his foundation in the years since his retirement has been an inspiration to all of us."

"We simply cannot believe he's gone, and our hearts go out to his wife, Lindsey, their children, his parents, former teammates and everyone whose lives were touched by having known Vincent."

DJ Swearinger -- who played with Jackson on the Bucs in 2015 -- says, "My Goodness, may God be with your family Vincent Jackson! Rest In Peace! Og was a helluva teammate & a great guy frfr! Man I’m Praying for your Family."

NFL linebacker Tre Watson tweeted, "This Vincent Jackson story is so sad & really odd at the same time. Just doesn’t sound right."

Bucs star Mike Evans -- who played with Jackson for 2 seasons in TB -- shared his condolences ... saying, "V Jax thank you for everything I love you big bro. Praying for your family Rest in Paradise."

Here's a video that'll brighten up your Monday ...

Dallas Cowboys superstar Amari Cooper surprised some kids with an impromptu game of catch while he was out house hunting ... and the adorable gesture will hit you right in the feels!!

The 26-year-old WR was looking at some investment properties recently when he noticed some kids in the neighborhood were playing some ball in the street.

According to a witness, Cooper had said out loud after seeing the front-yard games, "This is the future right there."

So, Cooper's friend went over to one of the boys and asked if he watched the Dallas Cowboys.

When the boy said yes, she asked if he wanted to meet Amari -- and, of course, the kid said yes!

What happened next was super sweet ... Cooper, despite still limping after having ankle surgery in early January, decided to play some catch with the kids!!

Check out the footage, Cooper chatted it up with the oldest boy while tossing around the pigskin ... and they even traded a little smack talk!!

At one point, you can hear the boy was so excited, he told his siblings to "go get mom!"

More legal trouble for Adam "Pacman" Jones ... the ex-NFL star was arrested again Monday morning after he allegedly beat a person unconscious.

Jail records show Jones was booked at 1:54 AM ET in Hamilton County, Ohio ... with court records revealing the 37-year-old was formally charged with one count of misdemeanor assault.

Details surrounding the incident are unclear ... we're working on it -- but according to court docs obtained by WCPO, Jones is accused of punching and kicking somebody in the head until they were knocked out.

Jones is due in court to face a judge later Monday.

Jones is no stranger to a jail cell, he's been arrested multiple times the past few years ... including once back in 2019 when he snapped after he was accused of cheating at an Indiana casino.

Officials in court docs said Jones threatened cops, and even told one of them to "suck my d***."

Jones eventually cut a deal with prosecutors in the case ... agreeing to plead guilty to one count of felony cheating at gambling and one count of misdemeanor resisting law enforcement. He was sentenced to 10 days in jail.

And, don't forget Pacman's infamous airport fight -- when he knocked a dude out inside a terminal. Jones was NOT accused of wrongdoing in that incident, but he definitely put his fighting skills on display.

Jones had a great NFL career after being selected in the 1st round of the 2005 NFL Draft ... logging one Pro Bowl selection and one All-Pro honor before retiring in 2019.

Roses are red ...
Violets are grand ...
Hey, is that blood?!?!?!
Ayesha Curry just sliced open her hand!!!!

Yep, Steph Curry spent his Valentine's Day rushing his wife to the doctor Sunday night after she gashed her hand open in a freak champagne bottle accident!!!

Ayesha says she wasn't doing anything crazy with the champagne bottle -- something just went wrong, resulting in a wound that needed 4 stitches to close!

"It's important to know that I was not sabering a bottle of champagne when this happened to me," Ayesha says ... "I was opening it the normal way."

FYI, "sabering" is when you take a blade (like a sword or something) and run it along the champagne bottle, usually resulting in a cool explosion that rips off the neck of the glass. It looks cool but can be dangerous if done incorrectly.

The good news ... Curry says she hit the good people at Kaiser Permanente, who tended to her wound quickly so she could resume her V-Day plans, which mostly included watching movies with her NBA star husband.

The Colin Kaepernick TV production is taking security measures in the wake of a threat at the hands of anti-BLM protesters ... TMZ Sports has learned.

Executives on the project sent an email to the staff with measures to protect the cast and crew. We will not disclose the measures, but the honchos are clearly taking it seriously.

Production sources tell TMZ Sports, they were told the anti-BLM group was planning a protest last Friday at the location shoot. That protest did not materialize, but it caused worry among cast and crew.

The production -- starring Jaden Michael as CK -- was notified last week in a memo ... "anti-BLM sentiments may protest against the production."  Two production sources tell TMZ Sports there was also an ominous phone call made last week to the production office.

The production sources tell us the anti-BLM group that made the threat was the Proud Boys.

BTW ... we're told Colin was not on set last week.

The production -- "Colin in Black and White" -- chronicles Kaepernick's high school years and the racism he confronted. It highlights the events that inspired Colin's social activism. It's directed by Ava DuVernay and Colin will narrate the 6-part series.